"I saw her match in the final here, and I kind of like it. I was happy that she won the French Open at that time," said Muguruza.

However, the 23-year-old doesn't believe she can emulate Schiavone, who turns 37 next month, in terms of a career spanning two decades.

"I don't see myself playing at 36 with that shape. I think she has a spectacular body, also, to be able to do that.

"I don't know if my body can handle with how many injuries I have, and I'm 23. So it's going to be tough."

Meanwhile, wildcard Jaimee Fourlis, aged 17 and, at 337, the lowest-ranked player in the main draw, served up a major scare for Caroline Wozniacki at Roland Garros yesterday.

The Australian teenager made light of the 300-plus ranking places separating them to push the 11th seeded Dane to three sets.

Wozniacki, who appeared to be carrying the after-effects of a lower back injury that forced her to retire during last week's Strasbourg tournament, pulled away towards the end of a testy encounter, winning 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 in just over two hours. - WIRE SERVICES